South Korean Air Force Relieves Two Commanders Following Accidental Bombing Incident
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Synopsis
On March 11, 2023, the South Korean Air Force dismissed two unit commanders due to their roles in an accidental bombing that injured civilians. The incident occurred during live-fire drills and was attributed to pilot error, leading to further investigations and reviews of operational protocols.
Key Takeaways
- Two commanders dismissed for failure to supervise.
- Accidental bombing injured 31 people, including civilians.
- Live-fire drills will resume after safety measures are enforced.
- Investigation pointed to pilot error as the cause.
- Review of pilot qualifications to follow.
Seoul, March 11 (NationPress) Two unit commanders of the South Korean Air Force were relieved of their duties on Tuesday following an accidental bombing of a village by fighter jets last week. The military cited charges of dereliction of duty and lack of adequate supervision.
During live-fire drills on Thursday, two KF-16 fighter jets inadvertently released eight 500-pound MK-82 bombs outside a training range located in Pocheon, approximately 40 kilometers north of Seoul, resulting in injuries to 31 individuals, including 19 civilians.
The Air Force announced the dismissal of a colonel-level group commander and a lieutenant colonel-level squadron commander who failed to adhere to regulations. They were held accountable for a significant breach of duty and inadequate command oversight.
Additionally, the Air Force has scheduled a meeting next week to evaluate whether the two pilots involved in the incident are fit to continue operating aircraft.
On Monday, the South Korean Air Force reiterated that pilot error was the primary reason for the unprecedented accidental bombing of a civilian area, releasing interim findings from their investigation.
Previously, the Air Force indicated that pilot error was suspected, as one pilot had mistakenly entered incorrect target coordinates before takeoff.
The interim findings revealed that the latitude coordinates were improperly entered after the first pilot communicated them for the second pilot to input into the system. It is not yet determined whether the coordinates were misread or misheard, but the South Korean Air Force acknowledged there were at least three chances to identify and correct the mistake prior to the bombing.
Following the incident, the South Korean Air Force had grounded almost all aircraft but intends to gradually resume flight training starting Monday, coinciding with the initiation of a significant spring joint exercise with the United States, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
However, live-fire exercises will only recommence once preventive measures are implemented and necessary protocols are completed.
